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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Review: The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier
Much of historical fiction features stories of love and war. This is true of, to name a couple of books, The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah that chronicles the story of two sisters during WWII and Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, which is a romance fantasy set across the 18th and 20th centuries. With its unique premise and execution, The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier is unlike many others in this genre. This is the story of the Rossos, a family from Murano, an island situated across the lagoon from Venice, which has a long history of glass making. The Rossos have been making glass for centuries and for generations. But when the head of the family dies in an accident, Orsola Rosso, the eldest daughter must step in and work with glass to save her family from ruin. Traditionally, within that community at least, women are not meant to work with glass. So Orsola must start from scratch. She must find a teacher and learn how to make beads in secret because her creations need to be perfect to be accepted by men. The story is interesting enough but its strength lies in the infusion of magical realism and how it plays with the concept of time alla Veneziana. Chevalier takes the story of the Rossos through monumental events like the plague, the Renaissance, the French Revolution and Napoleon's conquest of Italy, all way through the World Wars and up to the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown. Along with the rise and fall of the family, the author expertly showcases the rise and fall of Venice and its power in the world of trade. And it's all to do with shifts in time. 'People who make things also have an ambiguous relationship with time. Painters, writers, wood-carvers, knitters, weavers and, yes, glassmakers: creators often enter an absorbed state that psychologists call flow, in which hours pass without their noticing,' writes Chevalier With sea routes to India and newer markets being discovered, the importance and significance of Venice and its artisans begins to decline, forcing the glassmakers of Murano to adapt or pivot to the changes. Readers also view the progress of time as they watch the protagonist Orsola grow up. From a naive girl of 17 she is transformed into an accomplished and respected artisan whose creations not only manage to keep the family afloat but also inspire other girls to dabble in the manly world of glass making. Chevalier takes the reader right into Orsola's mind as she navigates life experiencing her first love, heartbreak and grief. Her struggles to ensure that her family is unscathed during the plague quarantines ably showcase the horrors of that period in history. Hers is a fleshed out character with a full breadth of emotions. Through everything, her dedication to her family shines through and the reader cannot help but be impressed at all she does to keep everyone together through various hardships. Deeply atmospheric, Chevalier's writing, which is interspersed with Italian phrases, is effortless in the way it captures the readers attention and transports them to the centre of the story even as they are taken on a tour of Italy over 500 years However, the pacing is a bit slow and it might be difficult to read The Glassmaker from end to end without a break. And while the interest of fans of magical realism might not flag, others might struggle with all that skipping across time. Still, expertly researched and well written, this is an absolute must read for lovers of historical fiction. Rutvik Bhandari is an independent writer. He lives in Pune. He is a reader and a content creator. You can find him talking about books on Instagram and YouTube (@themindlessmess).
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Barcelona determined to secure top reinforcement for crucial role
Barcelona are eyeing the transfer market, this time to strengthen their goalkeeping options. In fact, according to a recent report from SPORT, the club is seriously considering a summer move for a top goalkeeper, but they are treading carefully due to the complex situation around current No.1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Advertisement The German remains not only the undisputed starter but also the captain of the team, making any major decision in this position a delicate one. Despite this, the club's technical staff believe it's time to plan for the future. Furthermore, with Wojciech Szczesny extending his contract, options are getting narrower and more expensive. One name that continues to gain traction is Joan Garcia. The young shot-stopper has impressed at Espanyol and comes with a relatively affordable release clause of €25 million. His age, potential, and experience in La Liga make him an appealing option. Still, Barça know that negotiating with city rivals is rarely simple, and other clubs are also watching him closely. Chevalier and Verbruggen among backup options Lucas Chevalier is on Barcelona's radar. (Photo by) Barcelona are also monitoring two more goalkeepers, namely, Lucas Chevalier from Lille and Bart Verbruggen from Brighton. Advertisement Chevalier has a deal with Lille that runs until 2027, and his price is expected to be at least €40 million. That is a steep figure, especially given Barcelona's financial struggles and strict La Liga fair play limits. Meanwhile, Verbruggen has caught attention for his performances in England, although Brighton won't let him leave easily. His contract runs until 2028, meaning any potential deal would also come with a high price tag. Unless Barça are willing to trust someone from their academy, a serious investment in a new goalkeeper is unavoidable. While Ter Stegen is still a top performer, planning for the long term has become a priority, which is why Joan Garcia might just be the ideal balance between potential and affordability.
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
THE HOUSE WITHIN: Trailer & Release Date Revealed For Acclaimed Dame Fiona Kidman Documentary
Press Release – The Public Good Ahead of its nationwide theatrical release on July 17, the highly anticipated trailer for The House Within, a documentary film on the life and work of internationally acclaimed New Zealand writer Dame Fiona Kidman, premiered on Saturday to a sold-out audience at the Auckland Writers Festival. Directed by Joshua Prendeville, The House Within is the first-ever documentary to explore the personal and literary legacy of Dame Fiona Kidman – one of New Zealand's most respected and influential writers. At 84, Kidman remains a towering figure in the country's literary and cultural history. ' The House Within is a project very close to my heart, ' says Prendeville. 'I t's one that I feel was really important to do now, given Fiona's immense contribution to the arts, and social causes over her lifetime. Fiona has spent her life standing up for the rights of others and carving out a space for herself in industries where she was often the only woman in the room. ' ' The film is more than a portrait of a literary icon,' the director adds. 'It's about the courage to speak one's truths, and the personal toll of doing so. ' The House Within shines a light on a truly maverick writer who overcame innumerable obstacles to establish her voice and place in the world of literature, and the cost of standing by those values over a lifetime. THE HOUSE WITHIN, A PORTRAIT OF DAME FIONA KIDMAN, IN CINEMAS ACROSS NEW ZEALAND FROM THURSDAY JULY 17, 2025 Written & Directed by Joshua Prendeville Produced by Kerry Prendeville, Victoire Maderou & Joshua Prendeville Vendetta Films is managing the NZ distribution About the Film The House Within is a documentary on the internationally celebrated New Zealand writer Dame Fiona Kidman (Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, Chevalier of the French Legion of Honour). The film explores the profound ways in which life and fiction become inextricably braided over time, tracing the deeply personal experiences that have shaped her voice and vision. Offering an intimate window into Kidman's fascinating and often tumultuous journey, the film captures her reflections on private losses, formative struggles, and the fire that drove her to tell stories that have resonated with readers around the world. It's a portrait of a literary maverick – and the emotional truths that made her fiction unforgettable.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
‘It makes you think' – Lucas Chevalier reveals Premier League temptation
Could Lucas Chevalier (23) be set for a move to the Premier League? The Lille OSC goalkeeper's recent comments suggest he is at least tempted by the idea. Chevalier was present at the UNFP end-of-season awards on Sunday. During the ceremony, he was named best goalkeeper in Ligue 1 for the 2024/25 season and was also included in the Ligue 1 team-of-the-year. This season, Lille are in the race to return to the UEFA Champions League and it is in this competition that the young shotstopper has particularly shone. His performances in the League Phase of the competition led to great clamour for him to be involved in the France set-up. He has since earned his first call-up from Didier Deschamps. Advertisement For several months, Chevalier has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain. However, a move to the Parc des Princes is looking less likely given Gianluigi Donnarumma's return to form. But that doesn't mean that a summer move away from Lille isn't off the cards entirely. Speaking at the UNFP awards, Chevalier hinted that he would be interested in a move abroad. 'The Premier League? It is the most attractive league. When you see Tottenham and Manchester United, who are struggling with crazy players [in their squads]… I have two years left on my contract, and you know the president (Olivier Létang) (laughs). I haven't had any contacts, but it makes you think,' said the goalkeeper in a conference, transcribed by Julien Froment. GFFN | Luke Entwistle
Metro
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Metro
£34m Man Utd target talks up 'dream' Premier League move ahead of summer window
One of Manchester United's transfer targets has talked up the prospect of a 'dream' move to the Premier League ahead of the summer window. Despite reaching the Europa League final, it has been a season to forget for United who have slumped to new lows in the league under Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils lost 2-0 at home to West Ham on the weekend to slip down to 16th in the table after what was their 17th league defeat of the season. Such was the manner of the performance that Amorim even appeared to cast doubt on his future at the club should performances not improve at the start of next season. With that in mind, this summer's transfer window promises to be of huge significance for United as they look to, once again, reshape their squad. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. Attacking reinforcements are likely to be prioritised, and the club has already earmarked deals for Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap. Elsewhere, though, Andre Onana's mixed displays in goal have put United under pressure to also upgrade upon the Cameroonian in the summer. Reports have previously linked United with a move for French goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, who has enjoyed a superb season with Lille. The 23-year-old, who could cost around £34million, was named Ligue 1 goalkeeper of the season, but was quick to speculate about what his future could hold next season. Asked about a potential move to the Premier League at the UNFP awards ceremony, Chevalier said: 'The Premier League? It's a championship that makes you dream, the most attractive. 'When you see Tottenham, Manchester United struggling with crazy players, you see the level. More Trending 'I have a 2-year contract, and you know the president. I haven't had any specific proposals from this country, but it makes you think.' Chevalier's performances had also led to interest from Paris Saint-Germain, but the Parisian club are said to be parked their interest given the superb performances of Gianluigi Donnarumma. United, meanwhile, are considering other options to Chevalier as they look to upgrade upon Onana and Altay Bayindir, who has also flattered to deceive when given opportunities in the first team. A move for Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Kaua Santos has been mooted in recent months, while Brighton's Bart Verbruggen is also of interest. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Shock favourite to become new Man Utd manager revealed if Ruben Amorim quits job MORE: £35m Chelsea star told to consider shock move to 'good club' Arsenal MORE: Sunderland can survive a nervy home game with Frank Lampard's Coventry to reach Championship play-off final
